Magnetic tape having characterized magnetic layer

ABSTRACT

A magnetic tape includes a non-magnetic support; a non-magnetic layer including non-magnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic support; and a magnetic layer including ferromagnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic layer. The total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer is less than or equal to 0.60 μm. The magnetic layer includes an abrasive, and the percentage of a plan view maximum area of the abrasive confirmed in a region having a size of 4.3 μm×6.3 μm of the surface of the magnetic layer with respect to the total area of the region, obtained by plane observation performed by using a scanning electron microscope, is greater than or equal to 0.02% and less than 0.06%. Also, the logarithmic decrement acquired by a pendulum viscoelasticity test performed regarding the surface of the magnetic layer is less than or equal to 0.050.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-029508 filed on Feb. 20, 2017. The above application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference, in its entirety, into the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a magnetic tape.

2. Description of the Related Art

Magnetic recording media are divided into tape-shaped magnetic recording media and disk-shaped magnetic recording media, and tape-shaped magnetic recording media, that is, magnetic tapes are mainly used for data storage such as data back-up. The recording and/or reproducing of information to the magnetic tape are normally performed by mounting a magnetic tape cartridge including the magnetic tape on a drive, allowing the magnetic tape to run in the drive, and bringing the surface of the magnetic tape (surface of a magnetic layer) to come into contact with a magnetic head to slide thereon. Hereinafter, the magnetic tape is simply referred to as a “tape” and the magnetic head is also simply referred to as a “head”.

For example, in order to continuously or intermittently repeatedly reproduce the information recorded in the magnetic tape, repeated running of the magnetic tape is performed in the drive (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “repeated running”). It is desired that a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics during such repeated running is prevented, from a viewpoint of increasing reliability of the magnetic tape for data storage use. This is because a magnetic tape, in which electromagnetic conversion characteristics during the repeated running are hardly deteriorated, can continuously exhibit excellent electromagnetic conversion characteristics, even in a case where the running is continuously or intermittently repeated in a drive.

As a reason of a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics due to the repeated running, occurrence of a phenomenon (called a “spacing loss”) in which a distance between a surface of a magnetic layer and a head is widened, is exemplified. As a reason of this spacing loss, attachment of foreign materials derived from a tape to a head, while a surface of a magnetic layer and a head continue the sliding during the repeated running, that is, generation of head attached materials is exemplified. In the related art, as a measure against the generation of the head attached materials, an abrasive has been included in the magnetic layer, in order to impart a function of removing the head attached materials to the surface of the magnetic layer (for example, see JP2014-179149A). Hereinafter, the function of the surface of the magnetic layer of removing the head attached materials is referred to as “abrasion properties of the surface of the magnetic layer” or simply “abrasion properties”.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

JP2014-179149A discloses that a magnetic tape disclosed in JP2014-179149A can exhibit excellent electromagnetic conversion characteristics. In order to increase reliability of such a magnetic tape capable of exhibiting excellent electromagnetic conversion characteristics, for use of data storage, it is desired that a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics during the repeated running is prevented. Therefore, the inventors have made intensive research in order to find means for preventing a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics during the repeated running of the magnetic tape. From such research, the inventors have focused that, not only generation of head attached materials is a reason of spacing loss, but also partial chipping of a head can be a reason of spacing loss. Specific description is as follows. By increasing abrasion properties of a surface of a magnetic layer, the spacing loss caused by the head attached materials can be reduced. However, as abrasion properties of the surface of the magnetic layer increase, the head easily partially chips due to the sliding between the surface of the magnetic layer and the head. In a case where partial chipping of the head occurs, a distance between the surface of the magnetic layer and the head in the chipped portion is widened. This may also be a reason of the spacing loss.

In regards to abrasion properties of the surface of the magnetic layer, as disclosed in JP2014-179149A, as an abrasive is present in the magnetic layer in a fine state, abrasion properties tend to be deteriorated. The partial chipping of the head can be prevented by the deterioration of the abrasion properties, but the head attached materials are hardly removed. As described above, a decrease in the amount of the head attached materials and the partial chipping of the head are in a relationship of the tradeoff.

Meanwhile, in order to increase recording capacity for 1 reel of a magnetic tape cartridge, it is desired to increase the total length of the magnetic tape accommodated in 1 reel of the magnetic tape cartridge by decreasing the total thickness of the magnetic tape (that is, thinning the magnetic tape). As one method of thinning the magnetic tape, a method of decreasing the total thickness of a non-magnetic layer and a magnetic layer of a magnetic tape including the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer on a non-magnetic support in this order is used. However, in such studies of the inventor, it was clear that, it was difficult to overcome the relationship of the tradeoff to prevent a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics during the repeated running in a low temperature and high humidity environment, in a magnetic tape having a decreased total thickness of a non-magnetic layer and a magnetic layer which is equal to or smaller than 0.60 μm, compared to a magnetic tape having the total thickness of a non-magnetic layer and a magnetic layer which exceeds 0.60 μm. Hereinafter, the deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics indicates a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics in a low temperature and high humidity environment, unless otherwise noted. The low temperature and high humidity environment can be, for example, an environment in which an atmosphere temperature is 10° C. to 20° C. and a relative humidity is 70% to 90%. The magnetic tape may also be used in the low temperature and high humidity environment, and therefore, it is desired that a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics during the repeated running is prevented in such an environment.

Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide a magnetic tape which has the total thickness of a non-magnetic layer and a magnetic layer equal to or smaller than 0.60 μm and in which electromagnetic conversion characteristics are hardly deteriorated, even in a case where the running is repeated in a low temperature and high humidity environment.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a magnetic tape comprising: a non-magnetic support; a non-magnetic layer including non-magnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic support; and a magnetic layer including ferromagnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic layer, in which the total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer is equal to or smaller than 0.60 μm, the magnetic layer includes an abrasive, a percentage of a plan view maximum area of the abrasive confirmed in a region having a size of 4.3 μm×6.3 μm of the surface of the magnetic layer with respect to the total area of the region, obtained by plane observation performed by using a scanning electron microscope is equal to or greater than 0.02% and less than 0.06%, and a logarithmic decrement acquired by a pendulum viscoelasticity test performed regarding the surface of the magnetic layer (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “logarithmic decrement”) is equal to or smaller than 0.050.

In one aspect, the logarithmic decrement is 0.010 to 0.050.

In one aspect, the percentage of a plan view maximum area of the abrasive confirmed in a region having a size of 4.3 μm×6.3 μm of the surface of the magnetic layer with respect to the total area of the region, obtained by plane observation performed by using a scanning electron microscope is 0.02% to 0.05%.

In one aspect, the total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer is 0.20 μm to 0.60 μm.

In one aspect, a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area of the abrasive is 14 to 40 m²/g.

In one aspect, the abrasive is alumina powder.

In one aspect, the magnetic layer includes an aromatic hydrocarbon compound including a phenolic hydroxyl group.

In one aspect, ferromagnetic powder is ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder.

In one aspect, the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder includes Al.

According to one aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a magnetic tape which has the total thickness of a non-magnetic layer and a magnetic layer equal to or smaller than 0.60 μm and in which electromagnetic conversion characteristics during the repeated running are hardly deteriorated in a low temperature and high humidity environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a measurement method of logarithmic decrement.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the measurement method of logarithmic decrement.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the measurement method of logarithmic decrement.

FIG. 4 shows an example (step schematic view) of a specific aspect of a magnetic tape manufacturing step.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a magnetic tape including: a non-magnetic support; a non-magnetic layer including non-magnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic support; and a magnetic layer including ferromagnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic layer, in which the total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer is equal to or smaller than 0.60 μm, the magnetic layer includes an abrasive, a percentage of a plan view maximum area of the abrasive confirmed in a region having a size of 4.3 μm×6.3 μm of the surface of the magnetic layer with respect to the total area of the region, obtained by plane observation performed by using a scanning electron microscope is equal to or greater than 0.02% and less than 0.06%, and a logarithmic decrement acquired by a pendulum viscoelasticity test performed regarding the surface of the magnetic layer is equal to or smaller than 0.050.

The following description contains surmise of the inventor. The invention is not limited by such surmise.

The surmise of the inventors regarding the magnetic tape is as follows.

-   -   (1) As described above, it was clear that, it was difficult to         prevent a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion         characteristics during the repeated running in a low temperature         and high humidity environment, in a magnetic tape having a         decreased total thickness of a non-magnetic layer and a magnetic         layer which is equal to or smaller than 0.60 μm, compared to a         magnetic tape having the total thickness of a non-magnetic layer         and a magnetic layer which exceeds 0.60 μm. The reason thereof         may be a change of a contact state between the surface of the         magnetic layer and the head due to a decrease of only the total         thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer. Due         to such a change of the contact state, the inventors have         surmised that a phenomenon that the head easily partially chips         due to the abrasive present in the magnetic layer may be one of         the reasons of the spacing loss. In regards to this point, the         inventors have considered that a state of the abrasive present         in the magnetic layer which is in a state satisfying a         percentage which will be described later in detail, indicates         that the abrasive is present in the magnetic layer in a fine         state. The inventors have surmised that this contributes to the         prevention of partial chipping of the head during the repeated         running.     -   (2) However, in a case where the abrasive is only simply present         in the magnetic layer in a fine state, abrasion properties of         the surface of the magnetic layer are deteriorated. That is, a         function of removing head attached materials by the surface of         the magnetic layer are deteriorated. In regards to this point,         the inventors have considered that the logarithmic decrement is         an index for the amount of components which may be moved from         the surface of the magnetic layer of the magnetic tape to the         head and become head attached materials. Specifically, the         inventors have considered that the logarithmic decrement equal         to or smaller than 0.050 contributes to a decrease in the amount         of head attached materials. Accordingly, the inventors have         surmised that, even in a case where the abrasive is present in         the magnetic layer in a fine state, it is possible to prevent         occurrence of spacing loss which may be a reason of generation         of head attached materials. Specific descriptions will be         described later.

The inventors have surmised that, as a result of reducing the spacing loss by satisfying both of the prevention of partial chipping of the head and a decrease in the amount of the head attached materials as described above, it is possible to prevent a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics during the repeated running in the magnetic tape having a decreased total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer which is equal to or smaller than 0.60 μm.

-   -   However, the invention is not limited to the surmises described         above.

Hereinafter, the magnetic tape will be described more specifically.

In the invention and the specification, the “surface of the magnetic layer” is identical to the surface of the magnetic tape on the magnetic layer side. In the invention and the specification, the “ferromagnetic powder” means an aggregate of a plurality of ferromagnetic particles. The “aggregate” not only includes an aspect in which particles configuring the aggregate directly come into contact with each other, but also includes an aspect in which a binding agent, an additive, or the like is interposed between the particles. The points described above are also applied to various powder such as non-magnetic powder of the invention and the specification, in the same manner. The term “particles” may be used for describe powder.

Total Thickness of Non-Magnetic Layer and Magnetic Layer

The total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer of the magnetic tape is equal to or smaller than 0.60 μm and preferably equal to or smaller than 0.50 μm, from a viewpoint of thinning the magnetic tape. In addition, the total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer is, for example, equal to or greater than 0.10 μm or equal to or greater than 0.20 μm.

Various thicknesses such as a thickness of the non-magnetic layer and a thickness of the magnetic layer will be described later in detail. The thicknesses of various layers of the magnetic tape and the non-magnetic support can be acquired by a well-known film thickness measurement method. As an example, a cross section of the magnetic tape in a thickness direction is, for example, exposed by a well-known method of ion beams or microtome, and the exposed cross section is observed with a scanning electron microscope. In the cross section observation, various thicknesses can be acquired as a thickness acquired at one position of the cross section in the thickness direction, or an arithmetical mean of thicknesses acquired at a plurality of positions of two or more positions, for example, two positions which are arbitrarily extracted. In addition, the thickness of each layer may be acquired as a designed thickness calculated according to the manufacturing conditions.

State of Abrasive Present in Magnetic Layer

The magnetic tape includes an abrasive in the magnetic layer. The abrasive is present in the magnetic layer in a state where a percentage of a plan view maximum area of the abrasive confirmed in a region having a size of 4.3 μm×6.3 μm of the surface of the magnetic layer by plane observation using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), with respect to the total area (100%) of the region is equal to or greater than 0.02% and less than 0.06%. The inventors have surmised that the abrasive present in the magnetic layer in a state where the percentage of the plan view maximum area of the abrasive with respect to the total area of the region (hereinafter, also referred to as a “plan view maximum area percentage of the abrasive” or simply a “percentage”) is equal to or greater than 0.02% contributes to the removal of the head attached materials, and the abrasive present in the magnetic layer in a state where the percentage is less than 0.06% contributes to the prevention of partial chipping of the head. Accordingly, the inventors have surmised that, the prevention of occurrence of spacing loss contributes to the prevention of a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics during the repeated running in a low temperature and high humidity environment. The percentage is preferably 0.02% to 0.05% and more preferably 0.02% to 0.04%.

In the magnetic tape having the total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer equal to or smaller than 0.60 μm, in addition to allowing the abrasive to be present in the magnetic layer in a state where the percentage is equal to or greater than 0.02% and less than 0.06%, setting logarithmic decrement to be equal to or smaller than 0.050 contributes to the prevention of a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics during the repeated running in a low temperature and high humidity environment. This point will be described later in detail.

Measurement Method

The plan view maximum area of the abrasive described above is acquired by plane observation performed by using a scanning electron microscope. As the scanning electron microscope, a field emission (FE) type scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) is used. A scanning electron microscope image (SEM image) obtained by plane-observing and imaging the surface of the magnetic layer from the top by using the FE-SEM under the conditions of an acceleration voltage of 5 kV, a working distance (W.D.) of 8 mm, and a magnification ratio of imaging of 20,000 times, is analyzed and accordingly, the plan view maximum area of the abrasive is acquired. The percentage is calculated from the acquired plan view maximum area. Specific procedure is as follows.

1. Acquiring of SEM Image

An acceleration voltage is set as 5 kV, a working distance (W.D.) is set as 8 mm, and a magnification ratio of imaging is set as 20,000 times, and a SEM image is acquired as a secondary electron image, without performing a sample coating before the imaging. As the scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), FE-SEM 54800 manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd. can be used, for example. Values of Examples and Comparative Examples which will be described later are values obtained by using FE-SEM S4800 manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd. as the FE-SEM and setting a probe current as Normal.

2. Image Analysis

The image analysis of the SEM image acquired in the section 1. is performed by the following procedure by using WinROOF manufactured by Mitani Corporation as image analysis software. An area of each portion described below is acquired as a value using a pixel as a unit.

(1) The image data (SEM (20K) jpg image) of the SEM image acquired in the section 1. is dragged-and-dropped in WinROOF.

(2) A region having a size of 4.3 μm×6.3 μm of the image excluding a part where a magnification and a scale are displayed, is selected as an analysis region.

(3) The image in the analysis region is subjected to binarization processing. Specifically, 150 gradation is selected as a lower limit value, 255 gradation is selected as an upper limit value, and the binarization processing is performed by setting the lower limit value and the upper limit value as threshold values.

(4) By performing the binarization processing, an area of each white shining portion of the analysis region is acquired. Specifically, a command of measurement→shape characteristics→area is executed in the image analysis software WinROOF.

(5) The total area (4.3 μm×6.3 μm) of the analysis region is set as 100%, a percentage of the area of each portion acquired in (4) with respect to the total area is calculated, and a maximum value of the percentage of the area of each portion is acquired.

(6) The procedure of (2) to (5) is executed four times by changing the position of the analysis region (N=4).

(7) An arithmetical mean (that is, arithmetical mean of four maximum values) of the maximum values respectively acquired in (5) during the execution of the procedure four times is calculated, and the calculated value is set as the plan view maximum area of the abrasive. A percentage of the plan view maximum area acquired as described above occupying the total area of the analysis region is calculated and the calculated percentage is set as the plan view maximum area percentage of the abrasive.

Adjustment Method

By allowing the abrasive to be present in the magnetic layer in a fine state, it is possible to realize a state where the abrasive is present in the magnetic layer in a state where the percentage is equal to or greater than 0.02% and less than 0.06%. In order to allow the abrasive to be present in the magnetic layer in a fine state, it is preferable that an abrasive having a small particle size is used, the aggregate of the abrasive is prevented and the abrasive is dispersed in the magnetic layer without being unevenly distributed. As one method thereof, a method of reinforcing the dispersion conditions of the abrasive at the time of preparing a magnetic layer forming composition is used. For example, separate dispersing the abrasive and the ferromagnetic powder is one aspect of the reinforcement of the dispersion conditions. The separate dispersing is more specifically a method of preparing a magnetic layer forming composition through a step of mixing an abrasive liquid including an abrasive and a solvent (here, substantially not including ferromagnetic powder) with a magnetic solution including the ferromagnetic powder, a solvent, and a binding agent. By performing the mixing after separately dispersing the abrasive and the ferromagnetic powder as described above, it is possible to increase dispersibility of the abrasive of the magnetic layer forming composition. The expression of “substantially not including ferromagnetic powder” means that the ferromagnetic powder is not added as a constituent component of the abrasive liquid, and a small amount of the ferromagnetic powder present as impurities being mixed without intention is allowed. By arbitrarily combining methods such as use of dispersion media having a small size (for example, decreasing a diameter of dispersion beads in beads dispersion), a high degree of filling of dispersion media of a dispersion device, and a dispersing process performed for a long time, other than the separate dispersing or in addition to the separate dispersing, it is possible to reinforce the dispersion conditions. In a case of performing the filtering by using a filter in the preparation of the magnetic layer forming composition, a filter having a small hole diameter tends to cause the abrasive to be present in the magnetic layer in a fine state.

Dispersing Agent

In addition, the use of a dispersing agent for improving dispersibility of the abrasive can also be one aspect of the reinforcement of the dispersion conditions of the abrasive. Here, the dispersing agent for improving dispersibility of the abrasive is a component which can increase dispersibility of the abrasive in the magnetic layer forming composition and/or the abrasive liquid, compared to a state where this agent is not present. As a compound which can function as such a dispersing agent, an aromatic hydrocarbon compound including a phenolic hydroxyl group can be used. The “phenolic hydroxyl group” is a hydroxyl group directly combined with an aromatic ring. The aromatic ring included in the aromatic hydrocarbon compound may have a monocyclic or polycyclic structure, or may a fused ring. From a viewpoint of improving dispersibility of the abrasive, an aromatic hydrocarbon compound including a benzene ring or a naphthalene ring is preferable. In addition, the aromatic hydrocarbon compound may include a substituent other than the phenolic hydroxyl group. Examples of the substituent other than the phenolic hydroxyl group include a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an amino group, an acyl group, a nitro group, a nitroso group, and a hydroxyalkyl group, and a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an amino group, and a hydroxyalkyl group are preferable. The phenolic hydroxyl group included in one molecule of the aromatic hydrocarbon compound may be 1, 2, 3, or more.

As one preferable aspect of the aromatic hydrocarbon compound including a phenolic hydroxyl group, a compound represented by General Formula 100.

[In General Formula 100, two of X¹⁰¹ to X¹⁰⁸ are hydroxyl groups and other six components each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent.

In the compound represented by General Formula 100, a site of substitution of the two hydroxyl groups (phenolic hydroxyl groups) is not particularly limited.

In the compound represented by General Formula 100, two of X¹⁰¹ to X¹⁰⁸ are hydroxyl groups (phenolic hydroxyl groups) and other six components each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent. In addition, among X¹⁰¹ to X¹⁰⁸, all of portions other than the two hydroxyl groups may be hydrogen atoms or some or all of the portions may be substituents. As the substituent, the substituents described above can be used. As the substituent other than the two hydroxyl groups, one or more phenolic hydroxyl groups may be included. From a viewpoint of improving dispersibility of the abrasive, it is preferable that the components other than the two hydroxyl groups among X¹⁰¹ to X¹⁰⁸ are not phenolic hydroxyl groups. That is, the compound represented by General Formula 100 is preferably dihydroxynaphthalene or a derivative thereof and more preferably 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene or a derivative thereof. Examples of a preferable substituent as the substituent represented by X¹⁰¹ to X¹⁰⁸ include a halogen atom (for example, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom), an amino group, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 (preferably 1 to 4) carbon atoms, a methoxy group and an ethoxy group, an acyl group, a nitro group, a nitroso group, and a —CH₂OH group.

As the dispersing agent for improving dispersibility of the abrasive, descriptions disclosed in paragraphs 0024 to 0028 of JP2014-179149A can be referred to.

The content of the dispersing agent for improving dispersibility of the abrasive described above can be used, for example, 0.5 to 20.0 parts by mass and is preferably 1.0 to 10.0 parts by mass with respect to 100.0 parts by mass of the abrasive, at the time of preparing the magnetic layer forming composition, preferably at the time of preparing the abrasive liquid.

Abrasive

The “abrasive” means non-magnetic powder having Mohs hardness exceeding 8 and is preferably non-magnetic powder having Mohs hardness equal to or greater than 9. The abrasive may be powder of inorganic substances (inorganic powder) or may be powder of organic substances (organic powder). The abrasive is more preferably inorganic powder having Mohs hardness exceeding 8 and even more preferably inorganic powder having Mohs hardness equal to or greater than 9. A maximum value of Mohs hardness is 10 of diamond. Specifically, powders of alumina (Al₂O₃), silicon carbide, boron carbide (B₄C), TiC, cerium oxide, zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), diamond, and the like can be used as the abrasive, and among these, alumina powder is preferable. The aromatic hydrocarbon compound including a phenolic hydroxyl group described above is particularly preferably used as a dispersing agent for improving dispersibility of alumina powder. There are mainly two kinds of alumina having an alpha type crystal form and a gamma type crystal form. Both can be used, it is preferable to use alumina (a-alumina) having an alpha type crystal form, from viewpoints of realizing higher hardness and contributing to the improvement of abrasion properties and the improvement of the strength of the magnetic layer. A gelatinization ratio of a-alumina is preferably equal to or greater than 50% from a viewpoint of hardness. The shape of the particles of the abrasive may be any shape of an acicular shape, a spherical shape, and a dice shape.

In order to obtain a magnetic layer in which the abrasive is present in a fine state, it is preferable to use an abrasive having a small particle size as the abrasive. As an index of the particle size of the abrasive, a BET specific surface area can be used. A large BET specific surface area means a small particle size. From a viewpoint of a small particle size, the BET specific surface area of the abrasive is preferably equal to or greater than 14 m²/g, more preferably equal to or greater than 15 m²/g, even more preferably equal to or greater than 18 m²/g, and still more preferably 20 m²/g. In addition, from a viewpoint of ease of improvement of dispersibility, an abrasive having a BET specific surface area equal to or smaller than 40 m²/g is preferably used.

A preparing method of the magnetic layer forming composition including the abrasive will be described later in detail.

Logarithmic Decrement

The logarithmic decrement acquired by a pendulum viscoelasticity test performed regarding the surface of the magnetic layer of the magnetic tape is equal to or smaller than 0.050. This can contribute to prevention of a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics during repeated running in the low temperature and high humidity environment of the magnetic tape in which the total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer is equal to or smaller than 0.60 μm. From a viewpoint of further preventing a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics, the logarithmic decrement is preferably equal to or smaller than 0.048, more preferably equal to or smaller than 0.045, even more preferably equal to or smaller than 0.040, and still more preferably equal to or smaller than 0.035. In addition, the logarithmic decrement can be, for example, equal to or greater than 0.010 or equal to or greater than 0.015. From a viewpoint of preventing a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics, the logarithmic decrement tends to be preferable, as it is low. Therefore, the logarithmic decrement may be lower than the lower limit exemplified above.

In the invention and the specification, the magnetic layer side logarithmic decrement is a value acquired by the following method.

FIGS. 1 to 3 are explanatory diagrams of a measurement method of the logarithmic decrement. Hereinafter, the measurement method of the logarithmic decrement will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the aspect shown in the drawing is merely an example and the invention is not limited thereto.

A measurement sample 100 is cut out from the magnetic tape which is a measurement target. The cut-out measurement sample 100 is placed on a substrate 103 so that a measurement surface (surface of the magnetic layer) faces upwards, in a sample stage 101 in a pendulum viscoelasticity tester, and the measurement sample is fixed by fixing tapes 105 in a state where obvious wrinkles which can be visually confirmed are not generated.

A pendulum-attached columnar cylinder edge 104 (diameter of 4 mm) having mass of 13 g is loaded on the measurement surface of the measurement sample 100 so that a long axis direction of the cylinder edge becomes parallel to a longitudinal direction of the measurement sample 100. An example of a state in which the pendulum-attached columnar cylinder edge 104 is loaded on the measurement surface of the measurement sample 100 as described above (state seen from the top) is shown in FIG. 1. In the aspect shown in FIG. 1, a holder and temperature sensor 102 is installed and a temperature of the surface of the substrate 103 can be monitored. However, this configuration is not essential. In the aspect shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal direction of the measurement sample 100 is a direction shown with an arrow in the drawing, and is a longitudinal direction of a magnetic tape from which the measurement sample is cut out. In the invention and the specification, the description regarding “parallel” includes a range of errors allowed in the technical field of the invention. For example, the range of errors means a range of less than ±10° from an exact parallel state, and the error from the exact parallel state is preferably within ±5° and more preferably within ±3°. In addition, as a pendulum 107 (see FIG. 2), a pendulum formed of a material having properties of being adsorbed to a magnet (for example, formed of metal or formed of an alloy) is used.

The temperature of the surface of the substrate 103 on which the measurement sample 100 is placed is set to 80° C. by increasing the temperature at a rate of temperature increase equal to or lower than 5° C./min (arbitrary rate of temperature increase may be set, as long as it is equal to or lower than 5° C./min), and the pendulum movement is started (induce initial vibration) by releasing adsorption between the pendulum 107 and a magnet 106. An example of a state of the pendulum 107 which performs the pendulum movement (state seen from the side) is shown in FIG. 2. In the aspect shown in FIG. 2, in the pendulum viscoelasticity tester, the pendulum movement is started by stopping (switching off) the electricity to the magnet (electromagnet) 106 disposed on the lower side of the sample stage to release the adsorption, and the pendulum movement is stopped by restarting (switching on) the electricity to the electromagnet to cause the pendulum 107 to be adsorbed to the magnetic 106. As shown in FIG. 2, during the pendulum movement, the pendulum 107 reciprocates the amplitude. From a result obtained by monitoring displacement of the pendulum with a displacement sensor 108 while the pendulum reciprocates the amplitude, a displacement-time curve in which a vertical axis indicates the displacement and a horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time is obtained. An example of the displacement-time curve is shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 schematically shows correspondence between the state of the pendulum 107 and the displacement-time curve. The rest (adsorption) and the pendulum movement are repeated at a regular measurement interval, the logarithmic decrement Δ (no unit) is acquired from the following Expression by using a displacement-time curve obtained in the measurement interval after 10 minutes or longer (may be arbitrary time, as long as it is 10 minutes or longer) has elapsed, and this value is set as logarithmic decrement of the surface of the magnetic layer of the magnetic tape. The adsorption time of the first adsorption is set as 1 second or longer (may be arbitrary time, as long as it is 1 second or longer), and the interval between the adsorption stop and the adsorption start is set as 6 seconds or longer (may be arbitrary time, as long as it is 6 seconds or longer). The measurement interval is an interval of the time from the adsorption start and the next adsorption start. In addition, humidity of an environment in which the pendulum movement is performed, may be arbitrary relative humidity, as long as the relative humidity is 40% to 70%.

$\Delta = \frac{{\ln\left( \frac{A_{1}}{A_{2}} \right)} + {\ln\left( \frac{A_{2}}{A_{3}} \right)} + {\ldots\mspace{14mu}{\ln\left( \frac{A_{n}}{A_{n + 1}} \right)}}}{n}$

In the displacement-time curve, an interval between a point of the minimum displacement and a point of the next minimum displacement is set as a period of a wave. n indicates the number of waves included in the displacement-time curve in the measurement interval, and An indicates the minimum displacement and maximum displacement of the n-th wave. In FIG. 3, an interval between the minimum displacement of the n-th wave and the next minimum displacement is shown as Pn (for example, P₁ regarding the first wave, P₂ regarding the second wave, and P₃ regarding the third wave). In the calculation of the logarithmic decrement, a difference (in Expression A_(n+1), in the displacement-time curve shown in FIG. 3, A₄) between the minimum displacement and the maximum displacement appearing after the n-th wave is also used, but a part where the pendulum 107 stops (adsorption) after the maximum displacement is not used in the counting of the number of waves. In addition, a part where the pendulum 107 stops (adsorption) before the maximum displacement is not used in the counting of the number of waves, either. Accordingly, the number of waves is 3 (n=3) in the displacement-time curve shown in FIG. 3.

The inventors have considered regarding the logarithmic decrement described above as follows. However, the below description is merely a surmise and the invention is not limited thereto.

The inventors have thought that the pressure sensitive adhesive components separated from the surface of the magnetic layer is included in the head attached materials. In addition, the inventors have considered that the logarithmic decrement is a value which may be an index for the amount of the pressure sensitive adhesive components and the value equal to or smaller than 0.050 means a decrease in amount of the pressure sensitive adhesive components attached to the head from the surface of the magnetic layer. The details of the pressure sensitive adhesive components are not clear, but the inventors have surmised that the pressure sensitive adhesive components may be derived from a resin used as a binding agent. The specific description is as follows. As a binding agent, various resins can be used as will be described later in detail. The resin is a polymer (including a homopolymer or a copolymer) of two or more polymerizable compounds and generally also includes a component having a molecular weight which is smaller than an average molecular weight (hereinafter, referred to as a “binding agent component having a low molecular weight”). The inventors have surmised that the binding agent component having a low molecular weight which is separated from the surface of the magnetic layer during the running and attached and accumulated on the head while repeating the running may cause the spacing loss which is a reason of a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics. The inventors have surmised that the binding agent component having a low molecular weight may have pressure sensitive adhesive properties and the logarithmic decrement acquired by a pendulum viscoelasticity test may be an index for the amount of the pressure sensitive adhesive components attached and accumulated on the head during the running In one aspect, the magnetic layer is formed by applying a magnetic layer forming composition including a curing agent in addition to ferromagnetic powder and a binding agent onto a non-magnetic support directly or with another layer interposed therebetween, and performing curing process. With the curing process here, it is possible to allow a curing reaction (crosslinking reaction) between the binding agent and the curing agent. However, although the reason thereof is not clear, the inventors have considered that the binding agent component having a low molecular weight may have poor reactivity regarding the curing reaction. Accordingly, the inventors have surmised that the binding agent component having a low molecular weight which hardly remains in the magnetic layer and is easily separated from the magnetic layer and attached to the head may be one of reasons for that the binding agent component having a low molecular weight is attached and accumulated on the head during the running.

A specific aspect of a method for adjusting the logarithmic decrement will be described later.

Next, the magnetic layer and the like included in the magnetic tape will be described more specifically.

Magnetic Layer

Ferromagnetic Powder

As the ferromagnetic powder included in the magnetic layer, ferromagnetic powder normally used in the magnetic layer of various magnetic recording media can be used. It is preferable to use ferromagnetic powder having a small average particle size, from a viewpoint of improvement of recording density of the magnetic tape. From this viewpoint, ferromagnetic powder having an average particle size equal to or smaller than 50 nm is preferably used as the ferromagnetic powder. Meanwhile, the average particle size of the ferromagnetic powder is preferably equal to or greater than 10 nm, from a viewpoint of stability of magnetization.

As a preferred specific example of the ferromagnetic powder, ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder can be used. An average particle size of the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder is preferably 10 nm to 50 nm and more preferably 20 nm to 50 nm, from a viewpoint of improvement of recording density and stability of magnetization.

As one aspect of the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder, ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder including Al can be used. It is thought that, the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder is hardened by including Al and contributes to the improvement of strength of the magnetic layer. The Al content of the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder is preferably equal to or greater than 0.6 mass %, more preferably equal to or greater than 1.0 mass %, even more preferably equal to or greater than 2.0 mass %, and still more preferably equal to or greater than 3.0 mass % in terms of Al₂O₃, with respect to 100.0 mass % of the total mass of the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder. In addition, the Al content of the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder is preferably equal to or smaller than 12.0 mass %, more preferably equal to or smaller than 10.0 mass %, even more preferably equal to or smaller than 8.0 mass %, and still more preferably equal to or smaller than 6.0 mass % in terms of Al₂O₃, with respect to 100.0 mass % of the total mass of the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder.

Al may be present in the particle of the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder, may be adhered to the surface of the particle, or may be present in the particle and on the surface thereof.

The Al content of the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder can be calculated from an Al/Fe ratio acquired by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. In addition, the Al adhered to the surface of the particle can be confirmed by one or more analysis methods of: confirming that an Al/Fe ratio of a surface layer of a particle acquired by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis becomes greater than the Al/Fe ratio acquired by the ICP analysis; observing localization of Al on the surface layer of the particle in Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) analysis; and confirming a coated film on the surface of the particle in a cross section observation performed by using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). It is surmised that Al present on the surface of the particle is normally in a state of an oxide.

For a preparation method of the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder including Al, description disclosed in paragraphs 0012 to 0030 of JP2011-225417A can be referred to. According to the preparation method disclosed in JP2011-225417A, the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder in which surfaces of primary particles of hexagonal ferrite particles are coated with Al can also be obtained by a glass crystallization method. In addition, for the preparation method of the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder including Al, description disclosed in a paragraph 0035 of JP2014-179149A can also be referred to.

For details of ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder, for example, descriptions disclosed in paragraphs 0134 0136 of JP2011-216149A and paragraphs 0013 to 0030 of JP2012-204726A can be referred to.

As a preferred specific example of the ferromagnetic powder, ferromagnetic metal powder can also be used. An average particle size of the ferromagnetic metal powder is preferably 10 nm to 50 nm and more preferably 20 nm to 50 nm, from a viewpoint of improvement of recording density and stability of magnetization. For details of the ferromagnetic metal powder, descriptions disclosed in paragraphs 0137 to 0141 of JP2011-216149A and paragraphs 0009 to 0023 of JP2005-251351 can be referred to, for example.

In the invention and the specification, average particle sizes of various powder such as the ferromagnetic powder and the like are values measured by the following method with a transmission electron microscope, unless otherwise noted.

The powder is imaged at a magnification ratio of 100,000 with a transmission electron microscope, the image is printed on printing paper so that the total magnification of 500,000 to obtain an image of particles configuring the powder. A target particle is selected from the obtained image of particles, an outline of the particle is traced with a digitizer, and a size of the particle (primary particle) is measured. The primary particle is an independent particle which is not aggregated.

The measurement described above is performed regarding 500 particles arbitrarily extracted. An arithmetical mean of the particle size of 500 particles obtained as described above is an average particle size of the powder. As the transmission electron microscope, a transmission electron microscope H-9000 manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd. can be used, for example. In addition, the measurement of the particle size can be performed by well-known image analysis software, for example, image analysis software KS-400 manufactured by Carl Zeiss. The average particle size shown in examples which will be described later is a value measured by using transmission electron microscope H-9000 manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd. as the transmission electron microscope, and image analysis software KS-400 manufactured by Carl Zeiss as the image analysis software, unless otherwise noted.

As a method of collecting a sample powder from the magnetic tape in order to measure the particle size, a method disclosed in a paragraph of 0015 of JP2011-048878A can be used, for example.

In the invention and the specification, unless otherwise noted, (1) in a case where the shape of the particle observed in the particle image described above is a needle shape, a fusiform shape, or a columnar shape (here, a height is greater than a maximum long diameter of a bottom surface), the size (particle size) of the particles configuring the powder is shown as a length of a long axis configuring the particle, that is, a long axis length, (2) in a case where the shape of the particle is a planar shape or a columnar shape (here, a thickness or a height is smaller than a maximum long diameter of a plate surface or a bottom surface), the particle size is shown as a maximum long diameter of the plate surface or the bottom surface, and (3) in a case where the shape of the particle is a sphere shape, a polyhedron shape, or an unspecified shape, and the long axis configuring the particles cannot be specified from the shape, the particle size is shown as an equivalent circle diameter. The equivalent circle diameter is a value obtained by a circle projection method.

In addition, regarding an average acicular ratio of the powder, a length of a short axis, that is, a short axis length of the particles is measured in the measurement described above, a value of (long axis length/short axis length) of each particle is obtained, and an arithmetical mean of the values obtained regarding 500 particles is calculated. Here, unless otherwise noted, in a case of (1), the short axis length as the definition of the particle size is a length of a short axis configuring the particle, in a case of (2), the short axis length is a thickness or a height, and in a case of (3), the long axis and the short axis are not distinguished, thus, the value of (long axis length/short axis length) is assumed as 1, for convenience.

In addition, unless otherwise noted, in a case where the shape of the particle is specified, for example, in a case of definition of the particle size (1), the average particle size is an average long axis length, in a case of the definition (2), the average particle size is an average plate diameter, and an average plate ratio is an arithmetical mean of (maximum long diameter/thickness or height). In a case of the definition (3), the average particle size is an average diameter (also referred to as an average particle diameter).

The content (filling percentage) of the ferromagnetic powder of the magnetic layer is preferably 50 to 90 mass % and more preferably 60 to 90 mass %. The components other than the ferromagnetic powder of the magnetic layer are at least a binding agent and one or more kinds of additives may be arbitrarily included. A high filling percentage of the ferromagnetic powder in the magnetic layer is preferable from a viewpoint of improvement recording density.

Binding Agent

The magnetic tape is a coating type magnetic tape, and the magnetic layer includes a binding agent together with the ferromagnetic powder and the abrasive. As the binding agent, one or more kinds of resin is used. The resin may be a homopolymer or a copolymer. As the binding agent, various resins normally used as a binding agent of the coating type magnetic recording medium can be used. For example, as the binding agent, a resin selected from a polyurethane resin, a polyester resin, a polyamide resin, a vinyl chloride resin, an acrylic resin obtained by copolymerizing styrene, acrylonitrile, or methyl methacrylate, a cellulose resin such as nitrocellulose, an epoxy resin, a phenoxy resin, and a polyvinylalkylal resin such as polyvinyl acetal or polyvinyl butyral can be used alone or a plurality of resins can be mixed with each other to be used. Among these, a polyurethane resin, an acrylic resin, a cellulose resin, and a vinyl chloride resin are preferable. These resins can be used as the binding agent even in the non-magnetic layer and/or a back coating layer which will be described later. For the binding agent described above, description disclosed in paragraphs 0028 to 0031 of JP2010-24113A can be referred to. An average molecular weight of the resin used as the binding agent can be, for example, 10,000 to 200,000 as a weight-average molecular weight. The weight-average molecular weight of the invention and the specification is a value obtained by performing polystyrene conversion of a value measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). As the measurement conditions, the following conditions can be used. The weight-average molecular weight shown in examples which will be described later is a value obtained by performing polystyrene conversion of a value measured under the following measurement conditions.

GPC device: HLC-8120 (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation)

Column: TSK gel Multipore HXL-M (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation, 7.8 mmID (inner diameter)×30.0 cm)

Eluent: Tetrahydrofuran (THF)

In addition, a curing agent can also be used together with the binding agent. As the curing agent, in one aspect, a thermosetting compound which is a compound in which a curing reaction (crosslinking reaction) proceeds due to heating can be used, and in another aspect, a photocurable compound in which a curing reaction (crosslinking reaction) proceeds due to light irradiation can be used. At least a part of the curing agent is included in the magnetic layer in a state of being reacted (crosslinked) with other components such as the binding agent, by proceeding the curing reaction in the magnetic layer forming step. The preferred curing agent is a thermosetting compound, polyisocyanate is suitable. For details of the polyisocyanate, descriptions disclosed in paragraphs 0124 and 0125 of JP2011-216149A can be referred to, for example. The amount of the curing agent can be, for example, 0 to 80.0 parts by mass with respect to 100.0 parts by mass of the binding agent in the magnetic layer forming composition, and is preferably 50.0 to 80.0 parts by mass, from a viewpoint of improvement of strength of each layer such as the magnetic layer.

Additives

The magnetic layer includes ferromagnetic powder, a binding agent, and an abrasive, and may further include one or more kinds of additives, if necessary. As the additives, a commercially available product or an additive prepared by a well-known method can be suitably selected and used according to desired properties.

As specific examples of the additives, the dispersing agent and the curing agent described above are used. The dispersing agent for improving dispersibility of the abrasive can also contribute to improvement of dispersibility of ferromagnetic powder. The dispersing agent for improving dispersibility of the ferromagnetic powder can also contribute to the improvement of dispersibility of the abrasive. The dispersing agent for improving dispersibility of the abrasive can also contribute to the improvement of dispersibility of the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder. In addition, examples of the additive which can be included in the magnetic layer include a non-magnetic filler, a lubricant, a dispersing assistant, an antibacterial agent, an antistatic agent, an antioxidant, and carbon black. The non-magnetic filler is identical to the non-magnetic powder. As the non-magnetic filler, a non-magnetic filler (hereinafter, referred to as a “projection formation agent”) which can function as a projection formation agent which forms projections suitably protruded from the surface of the magnetic layer can be used. The projection formation agent is a component which can contribute to the control of friction properties of the surface of the magnetic layer. As the projection formation agent, various non-magnetic powders normally used as a projection formation agent can be used. These may be inorganic powder or organic powder. In one aspect, from a viewpoint of homogenization of friction properties, particle size distribution of the projection formation agent is not polydispersion having a plurality of peaks in the distribution and is preferably monodisperse showing a single peak. From a viewpoint of availability of monodisperse particles, the projection formation agent is preferably inorganic powder. Examples of the inorganic powder include powder of metal oxide, metal carbonate, metal sulfate, metal nitride, metal carbide, and metal sulfide, and powder of inorganic oxide is preferable. The projection formation agent is more preferably colloidal particles and even more preferably inorganic oxide colloidal particles. In addition, from a viewpoint of availability of monodisperse particles, the inorganic oxide configuring the inorganic oxide colloidal particles are preferably silicon dioxide (silica). The inorganic oxide colloidal particles are more preferably colloidal silica (silica colloidal particles). In the invention and the specification, the “colloidal particles” are particles which are not precipitated and dispersed to generate a colloidal dispersion, in a case where 1 g of the particles is added to 100 mL of at least one organic solvent of at least methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, toluene, or ethyl acetate, or a mixed solvent including two or more kinds of the solvent described above at an arbitrary mixing ratio. In addition, in another aspect, the projection formation agent is preferably carbon black. An average particle size of the projection formation agent is, for example, 30 to 300 nm and is preferably 40 to 200 nm. In addition, from a viewpoint that the projection formation agent can exhibit the functions thereof in more excellent manner, the content of the projection formation agent of the magnetic layer is preferably 1.0 to 4.0 parts by mass and more preferably 1.5 to 3.5 parts by mass with respect to 100.0 parts by mass of the ferromagnetic powder.

Non-Magnetic Layer

Next, the non-magnetic layer will be described. The magnetic tape includes a non-magnetic layer including non-magnetic powder and a binding agent between the non-magnetic support and the magnetic layer. The non-magnetic powder used in the non-magnetic layer may be inorganic powder or organic powder. In addition, carbon black and the like can also be used. Examples of the inorganic powder include powders of metal, metal oxide, metal carbonate, metal sulfate, metal nitride, metal carbide, and metal sulfide. These non-magnetic powders can be purchased as a commercially available product or can be manufactured by a well-known method. For details thereof, descriptions disclosed in paragraphs 0146 to 0150 of JP2011-216149A can be referred to. For carbon black which can be used in the non-magnetic layer, descriptions disclosed in paragraphs 0040 and 0041 of JP2010-24113A can be referred to. The content (filling percentage) of the non-magnetic powder of the non-magnetic layer is preferably 50 to 90 mass % and more preferably 60 to 90 mass %.

In regards to other details of a binding agent or additives of the non-magnetic layer, the well-known technology regarding the non-magnetic layer can be applied. In addition, in regards to the type and the content of the binding agent, and the type and the content of the additive, for example, the well-known technology regarding the magnetic layer can be applied.

The non-magnetic layer of the invention and the specification also includes a substantially non-magnetic layer including a small amount of ferromagnetic powder as impurities or intentionally, together with the non-magnetic powder. Here, the substantially non-magnetic layer is a layer having a residual magnetic flux density equal to or smaller than 10 mT, a layer having coercivity equal to or smaller than 7.96 kAm(100 Oe), or a layer having a residual magnetic flux density equal to or smaller than 10 mT and coercivity equal to or smaller than 7.96 kAm(100 Oe). It is preferable that the non-magnetic layer does not have a residual magnetic flux density and coercivity.

Back Coating Layer

The magnetic tape can also include a back coating layer including non-magnetic powder and a binding agent on a side of the non-magnetic support opposite to the side including the magnetic layer. The back coating layer preferably includes any one or both of carbon black and inorganic powder. In regards to the binding agent included in the back coating layer and various additives which can be arbitrarily included in the back coating layer, a well-known technology regarding the treatment of the magnetic layer and/or the non-magnetic layer can be applied.

Non-Magnetic Support

Next, the non-magnetic support (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a “support”) will be described. As the non-magnetic support, well-known components such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyamide, polyamide imide, aromatic polyamide subjected to biaxial stretching are used. Among these, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and polyamide are preferable. Corona discharge, plasma treatment, easy-bonding treatment, or thermal treatment may be performed with respect to these supports in advance.

Various Thickness

The total thickness of the magnetic layer and the non-magnetic layer of the magnetic tape is as described above.

A thickness of the non-magnetic support of the magnetic tape is preferably 3.00 to 6.00 μm and more preferably 3.00 to 4.50 μm.

A thickness of the magnetic layer can be optimized in accordance with saturation magnetization quantity of the magnetic head used, a head gap length, or a band of a recording signal. The thickness of the magnetic layer is normally 0.01 μm to 0.15 μm, and is preferably 0.02 μm to 0.12 μm and more preferably 0.03 μm to 0.10 μm, from a viewpoint of realizing recording at high density. The magnetic layer may be at least single layer, the magnetic layer may be separated into two or more layers having different magnetic properties, and a configuration of a well-known multilayered magnetic layer can be applied. A thickness of the magnetic layer in a case where the magnetic layer is separated into two or more layers is the total thickness of the layers.

A thickness of the non-magnetic layer is, for example, 0.10 to 0.55 μm and is preferably 0.10 to 0.50 μm.

A thickness of the back coating layer is preferably equal to or smaller than 0.90 μm and even more preferably 0.10 to 0.70 μm.

In addition, the total thickness of the magnetic tape is preferably equal to or smaller than 6.00 μm, more preferably equal to or smaller than 5.70 μm, and even more preferably equal to or smaller than 5.50 μm, from a viewpoint of improving recording capacity for 1 reel of the magnetic tape cartridge. Meanwhile, the total thickness of the magnetic tape is preferably equal to or greater than 1.00 μm, from a viewpoint of availability (handling properties) of the magnetic tape.

Manufacturing Method of Magnetic Tape

Preparation of Each Layer Forming Composition

Each composition for forming the magnetic layer, the non-magnetic layer, or the back coating layer normally includes a solvent, together with various components described above. As the solvent, various organic solvents generally used for manufacturing a coating type magnetic tape can be used. Among those, from a viewpoint of solubility of the binding agent normally used in the coating type magnetic recording medium, each layer forming composition preferably includes one or more ketone solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, diisobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, isophorone, and tetrahydrofuran. The amount of the solvent of each layer forming composition is not particularly limited, and can be set to be the same as that of each layer forming composition of a typical coating type magnetic recording medium. The steps of preparing a composition for forming each layer generally include at least a kneading step, a dispersing step, and a mixing step provided before and after these steps, if necessary. Each step may be divided into two or more stages. All of raw materials used in the invention may be added at an initial stage or in a middle stage of each step. In addition, each raw material may be separately added in two or more steps. In the preparation of the magnetic layer forming composition, it is preferable that the abrasive and the ferromagnetic powder are separately dispersed as described above. For the preparation method of the abrasive liquid and the magnetic solution used in the separate dispersing and the preparation method of the magnetic layer forming composition, descriptions disclosed in paragraph 0042 to 0048 of JP2014-179149A can be referred to. In addition, in order to manufacture the magnetic tape, a well-known manufacturing technology can be used. In the kneading step, an open kneader, a continuous kneader, a pressure kneader, or a kneader having a strong kneading force such as an extruder is preferably used. The details of the kneading processes of these kneaders are disclosed in JP1989-106338A (JP-H01-106338A) and JP1989-79274A (JP-H01-79274A). In addition, in order to disperse each layer forming composition, glass beads and one or more kinds of other dispersion beads can be used as a dispersion medium. As such dispersion beads, zirconia beads, titania beads, and steel beads which are dispersion beads having high specific gravity are suitable. These dispersion beads can be used by optimizing a particle diameter (bead diameter) and a filling percentage of the dispersion beads. As a dispersion device, a well-known dispersion device can be used. The each layer forming composition may be filtered by a well-known method before performing the coating step. The filtering can be performed by using a filter, for example. As the filter used in the filtering, a filter having a hole diameter of 0.01 to 3 μm can be used, for example.

Coating Step, Cooling Step, Heating and Drying Step, Burnishing Treatment Step, and Curing Step

The magnetic layer can be formed by directly applying the magnetic layer forming composition onto the non-magnetic support or performing multilayer coating of the magnetic layer forming composition with the non-magnetic layer forming composition in order or at the same time. For details of the coating for forming each layer, a description disclosed in a paragraph 0066 of JP2010-231843A can be referred to.

In a preferred aspect, a magnetic layer can be formed through a magnetic layer forming step including a coating step of applying a magnetic layer forming composition including ferromagnetic powder, a binding agent, an abrasive, a curing agent, and a solvent onto a non-magnetic support directly or with another layer interposed therebetween, to form a coating layer, a heating and drying step of drying the coating layer by a heating process, and a curing step of performing a curing process with respect to the coating layer. The magnetic layer forming step preferably includes a cooling step of cooling the coating layer between the coating step and the heating and drying step, and more preferably includes a burnishing treatment step of performing a burnishing treatment with respect to the surface of the coating layer between the heating and drying step and the curing step.

The inventors have thought that it is preferable that the cooling step and the burnishing treatment step in the magnetic layer forming step, in order to set the logarithmic decrement to be equal to or smaller than 0.050. More specific description is as follows.

The inventors have surmised that performing the cooling step of cooling the coating layer between the coating step and the heating and drying step contributes to causing pressure sensitive adhesive component separated from the surface of the magnetic layer in a case where the head comes into contact with and slides on the surface of the magnetic layer, to be localized in the surface and/or a surface layer part in the vicinity of the surface of the coating layer. The inventors have surmised that this is because the pressure sensitive adhesive component at the time of solvent volatilization in the heating and drying step is easily moved to the surface and/or the surface layer part of the coating layer, by cooling the coating layer of the magnetic layer forming composition before the heating and drying step. However, the reason thereof is not clear. In addition, the inventors have thought that the pressure sensitive adhesive component can be removed by performing the burnishing treatment with respect to the surface of the coating layer in which the pressure sensitive adhesive component is localized on the surface and/or surface layer part. The inventors have surmised that performing the curing step after removing the pressure sensitive adhesive component contributes setting the logarithmic decrement to be equal to or smaller than 0.050. However, this is merely a surmise, and the invention is not limited thereto.

As described above, multilayer coating of the magnetic layer forming composition can be performed with the non-magnetic layer forming composition in order or at the same time. In a preferred aspect, the magnetic tape can be manufactured by successive multilayer coating. A manufacturing step including the successive multilayer coating can be preferably performed as follows. The non-magnetic layer is formed through a coating step of applying a non-magnetic layer forming composition onto a non-magnetic support to form a coating layer, and a heating and drying step of drying the formed coating layer by a heating process. In addition, the magnetic layer is formed through a coating step of applying a magnetic layer forming composition onto the formed non-magnetic layer to form a coating layer, and a heating and drying step of drying the formed coating layer by a heating process.

Hereinafter, a specific aspect of the manufacturing method of the magnetic tape will be described with reference to FIG. 4. However, the invention is not limited to the following specific aspect.

FIG. 4 is a step schematic view showing a specific aspect of a step of manufacturing the magnetic tape including a non-magnetic layer and a magnetic layer in this order on one surface of a non-magnetic support and including a back coating layer on the other surface thereof. In the aspect shown in FIG. 4, an operation of sending a non-magnetic support (elongated film) from a sending part and winding the non-magnetic support around a winding part is continuously performed, and various processes of coating, drying, and orientation are performed in each part or each zone shown in FIG. 4, and thus, it is possible to sequentially form a non-magnetic layer and a magnetic layer on one surface of the running non-magnetic support by multilayer coating and to form a back coating layer on the other surface thereof. Such a manufacturing method can be set to be identical to the manufacturing method normally performed for manufacturing a coating type magnetic recording medium, except for including a cooling zone in the magnetic layer forming step and including the burnishing treatment step before the curing process.

The non-magnetic layer forming composition is applied onto the non-magnetic support sent from the sending part in a first coating part (coating step of non-magnetic layer forming composition).

After the coating step, in a first heating process zone, the coating layer of the non-magnetic layer forming composition formed in the coating step is heated after to dry the coating layer (heating and drying step). The heating and drying step can be performed by causing the non-magnetic support including the coating layer of the non-magnetic layer forming composition to pass through the heated atmosphere. An atmosphere temperature of the heated atmosphere here can be, for example, approximately 60° to 140°. Here, the atmosphere temperature may be a temperature at which the solvent is volatilized and the coating layer is dried, and the atmosphere temperature is not limited to the range described above. In addition, the heated air may blow to the surface of the coating layer. The points described above are also applied to a heating and drying step of a second heating process zone and a heating and drying step of a third heating process zone which will be described later, in the same manner.

Next, in a second coating part, the magnetic layer forming composition is applied onto the non-magnetic layer formed by performing the heating and drying step in the first heating process zone (coating step of magnetic layer forming composition).

After the coating step, a coating layer of the magnetic layer forming composition formed in the coating step is cooled in a cooling zone (cooling step). For example, it is possible to perform the cooling step by allowing the non-magnetic support on which the coating layer is formed on the non-magnetic layer to pass through a cooling atmosphere. An atmosphere temperature of the cooling atmosphere is preferably −10° C. to 0° C. and more preferably −5° C. to 0° C. The time for performing the cooling step (for example, time while an arbitrary part of the coating layer is delivered to and sent from the cooling zone (hereinafter, also referred to as a “staying time”)) is not particularly limited. In a case where the staying time is long, the value of logarithmic decrement tends to be increased. Thus, the staying time is preferably adjusted by performing preliminary experiment if necessary, so that the logarithmic decrement equal to or smaller than 0.050 is realized. In the cooling step, cooled air may blow to the surface of the coating layer.

After that, while the coating layer of the magnetic layer forming composition is wet, an orientation process of the ferromagnetic powder in the coating layer is performed in an orientation zone. For the orientation process, a description disclosed in a paragraph 0067 of JP2010-231843A can be referred to.

The coating layer after the orientation process is subjected to the heating and drying step in the second heating process zone.

Next, in the third coating part, a back coating layer forming composition is applied to a surface of the non-magnetic support on a side opposite to the surface where the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer are formed, to form a coating layer (coating step of back coating layer forming composition). After that, the coating layer is heated and dried in the third heating process zone.

By doing so, it is possible to obtain the magnetic tape including the coating layer of the magnetic layer forming composition heated and dried on the non-magnetic layer, on one surface side of the non-magnetic support, and the back coating layer on the other surface side thereof. The magnetic tape obtained here becomes a magnetic tape product after performing various processes which will be described later.

The obtained magnetic tape is wound around the winding part, and cut (slit) to have a size of a magnetic tape product. The slitting is performed by using a well-known cutter.

In the slit magnetic tape, the burnishing treatment is performed with respect to the surface of the heated and dried coating layer of the magnetic layer forming composition, before performing the curing process (heating and light irradiation) in accordance with the types of the curing agent included in the magnetic layer forming composition (burnishing treatment step between heating and drying step and curing step). The inventors have surmised that removing the pressure sensitive adhesive component transitioned to the surface and/or the surface layer part of the coating layer cooled in the cooling zone by the burnishing treatment contributes setting the logarithmic decrement to be equal to or smaller than 0.050. However, as described above, this is merely a surmise, and the invention is not limited thereto.

The burnishing treatment is treatment of rubbing a surface of a treatment target with a member (for example, a polishing tape, or a grinding tool such as a grinding blade or a grinding wheel), and can be performed in the same manner as the well-known burnishing treatment for manufacturing a coating type magnetic recording medium. However, in the related art, the burnishing treatment was not performed in a stage before the curing step, after performing the cooling step and the heating and drying step. With respect to this, the logarithmic decrement can be equal to or smaller than 0.050 by performing the burnishing treatment in the stage described above.

The burnishing treatment can be preferably performed by performing one or both of rubbing of the surface of the coating layer of the treatment target by a polishing tape (polishing) and rubbing of the surface of the coating layer of the treatment target by a grinding tool (grinding). In a case where the magnetic layer forming composition includes an abrasive, it is preferable to use a polishing tape including at least one of an abrasive having higher Mohs hardness than that of the abrasive described above. As the polishing tape, a commercially available product may be used and a polishing tape manufactured by a well-known method may be used. As the grinding tool, a well-known blade such as a fixed blade, a diamond wheel, or a rotary blade, or a grinding blade can be used. In addition, a wiping treatment of wiping the surface of the coating layer rubbed by the polishing tape and/or the grinding tool with a wiping material. For details of preferred polishing tape, grinding tool, burnishing treatment, and wiping treatment, descriptions disclosed in paragraphs 0034 to 0048, FIG. 1 and examples of JP1994-52544A (JP-H06-52544A) can be referred to. As the burnishing treatment is reinforced, the value of the logarithmic decrement tends to be decreased. The burnishing treatment can be reinforced as an abrasive having high hardness is used as the abrasive included in the polishing tape, and can be reinforced, as the amount of the abrasive in the polishing tape is increased. In addition, the burnishing treatment can be reinforced as a grinding tool having high hardness is used as the grinding tool. In regards to the burnishing treatment conditions, the burnishing treatment can be reinforced as a sliding speed between the surface of the coating layer of the treatment target and a member (for example, a polishing tape or a grinding tool) is increased. The sliding speed can be increased by increasing one or both of a speed at which the member is moved, and a speed at which the magnetic tape of the treatment target is moved.

After the burnishing treatment (burnishing treatment step), the curing process is performed with respect to the coating layer of the magnetic layer forming composition. In the aspect shown in FIG. 4, the coating layer of the magnetic layer forming composition is subjected to the surface smoothing treatment, after the burnishing treatment and before the curing process. The surface smoothing treatment is preferably performed by a calender process. For details of the calender process, for example, description disclosed in a paragraph 0026 of JP2010-231843A can be referred to. As the calender process is reinforced, the surface of the magnetic tape can be smoothened. The calender process is reinforced, as the surface temperature (calender temperature) of a calender roll is increased and/or as calender pressure is increased.

After that, the curing process according to the type of the curing agent included in the coating layer is performed with respect to the coating layer of the magnetic layer forming composition (curing step). The curing process can be performed by the process according to the type of the curing agent included in the coating layer, such as a heating process or light irradiation. The curing process conditions are not particularly limited, and the curing process conditions may be suitably set in accordance with the list of the magnetic layer forming composition used in the coating layer formation, the type of the curing agent, and the thickness of the coating layer. For example, in a case where the coating layer is formed by using the magnetic layer forming composition including polyisocyanate as the curing agent, the curing process is preferably the heating process. In a case where the curing agent is included in a layer other than the magnetic layer, a curing reaction of the layer can also be promoted by the curing process here. Alternatively, the curing step may be separately provided. After the curing step, the burnishing treatment may be further performed.

By doing so, it is possible to obtain a magnetic tape according to one aspect of the invention. However, the manufacturing method described above is merely an example, the logarithmic decrement and the state of the abrasive present in the magnetic layer can be respectively controlled as described above by arbitrary methods capable of adjusting the logarithmic decrement and the state of the abrasive present in the magnetic layer, and such an aspect is also included in the invention.

The magnetic tape according to one aspect of the invention described above is generally accommodated in a magnetic tape cartridge and the magnetic tape cartridge is mounted in a drive. The configuration of the magnetic tape cartridge and the drive is well known. The magnetic tape runs (is transported) in the drive, the magnetic head for recording and/or reproducing of information comes into contact with and slides on the surface of the magnetic layer, and the recording of the information on the magnetic tape and/or reproducing of the recorded information are performed.

In the magnetic tape, although the total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer is equal to or smaller than 0.60 μm, it is possible to prevent a deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics while repeating the running in a low temperature and high humidity environment.

EXAMPLES

Hereinafter, the invention will be described with reference to examples. However, the invention is not limited to aspects shown in the examples. “Parts” and “%” in the following description mean “parts by mass” and “mass %”, unless otherwise noted. In addition, steps and evaluations described below are performed in an environment of an atmosphere temperature of 23° C.±1° C., unless otherwise noted.

Preparation Examples of Ferromagnetic Hexagonal Ferrite Powders

In the method disclosed in Example 1 of JP2011-225417A, an Al adhesion amount was adjusted by changing the amount of Al₂O₃ added to a raw material mixture, a particle size was adjusted by changing a crystallization temperature, and ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powders (barium ferrite powders) in which Al₂O₃ was adhered to the surface of the particle were manufactured.

Regarding the prepared ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powders, in a case where an average particle size (average plate diameter) was acquired by the method described above, it was 25 nm.

In addition, regarding the prepared ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powders, the Al content was measured and the Al presence state was confirmed by the method disclosed in a paragraph 0070 of JP2014-179149A. The Al content of the prepared ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powders was 3.0 mass % in terms of Al₂O₃ with respect to 100.0 mass % which is the total mass of the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder used in the measurement. In addition, in the prepared ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powders, it was confirmed that Al is adhered onto the primary particles (specifically, a coated film including Al is present).

Example 1

1. Preparation of Alumina Dispersion (Abrasive Liquid)

2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) having the amount shown in Table 1, 31.3 parts of 32% solution (solvent is a mixed solvent of methyl ethyl ketone and toluene) of a polyester polyurethane resin having a SO₃Na group as a polar group (UR-4800 manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd. (amount of a polar group: 80 meq/kg)), and 570.0 parts of a mixed liquid of methyl ethyl ketone and cyclohexanone at 1:1 (mass ratio) as a solvent were mixed with 100.0 parts of alumina powder (Mohs hardness of 9) having a gelatinization ratio of approximately 65% and a BET specific surface area shown in Table 1, and dispersed in the presence of zirconia beads by a paint shaker for the time shown in Table 1. After the dispersion, the dispersion liquid and the beads were separated by a mesh and an alumina dispersion (abrasive liquid) was obtained.

2. Magnetic Layer Forming Composition List

Magnetic Solution

Ferromagnetic hexagonal barium ferrite powder prepared in the preparation example: 100.0 parts

SO₃Na group-containing polyurethane resin: 14.0 parts

-   -   (Weight-average molecular weight: 70,000, SO₃Na group: 0.2         meq/g)

Dispersing agent: see Table 4

Cyclohexanone: 150.0 parts

Methyl ethyl ketone: 150.0 parts

Abrasive Liquid

Alumina dispersion prepared in the section 1.: 6.0 parts

Silica Sol (Projection Forming Agent Liquid)

Colloidal silica (average particle size of 100 nm): 2.0 parts

Methyl ethyl ketone: 1.4 parts

Other Components

Stearic acid: 2.0 parts

Butyl stearate: 6.0 parts

Polyisocyanate (CORONATE (registered trademark) manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Industry Co., Ltd.): 2.5 parts

Finishing Additive Solvent

Cyclohexanone: 200.0 parts

Methyl ethyl ketone: 200.0 parts

3. Non-Magnetic Layer Forming Composition List

Non-magnetic inorganic powder: a-iron oxide: 100.0 parts

Average particle size (average long axis length): 0.15 μm

Average acicular ratio: 7

BET specific surface area: 52 m²/g

Carbon black: 20.0 parts

Average particle size: 20 nm

SO₃Na group-containing polyurethane resin: 18.0 parts

-   -   (Weight-average molecular weight: 70,000, SO₃Na group: 0.2         meq/g)

Stearic acid: 1.0 part

Cyclohexanone: 300.0 parts

Methyl ethyl ketone: 300.0 parts

4. Back Coating Layer Forming Composition List

Non-magnetic inorganic powder: α-iron oxide: 80.0 parts

Average particle size (average long axis length): 0.15 μm

Average acicular ratio: 7

BET specific surface area: 52 m²/g

Carbon black: 20.0 parts

Average particle size: 20 nm

A vinyl chloride copolymer: 13.0 parts

Sulfonic acid group-containing polyurethane resin: 6.0 parts

Phenylphosphonic acid: 3.0 parts

Methyl ethyl ketone: 155.0 parts

Stearic acid: 3.0 parts

Butyl stearate: 3.0 parts

Polyisocyanate: 5.0 parts

Cyclohexanone: 355.0 parts

5. Preparation of Each Layer Forming Composition

(1) Preparation of Magnetic Layer Forming Composition

The magnetic layer forming composition was prepared by the following method.

A magnetic solution was prepared by performing beads dispersing of the magnetic solution components described above by using beads as the dispersion medium in a batch type vertical sand mill. Specifically, the beads dispersion was performed for the dispersion retention time shown in Table 1 by using zirconia beads (bead diameter: 0.1 mm).

The magnetic solution obtained as described above was mixed with the abrasive liquid, silica sol, other components, and the finishing additive solvent and beads-dispersed for the time shown in Table 1 by using the sand mill, and ultrasonic dispersion was performed with a batch type ultrasonic device (20 kHz, 300 W) for the time shown in Table 1. After that, the obtained mixed liquid was filtered by using a filter (hole diameter: see Table 1), and the magnetic layer forming composition was prepared.

(2) Preparation of Non-Magnetic Layer Forming Composition

The non-magnetic layer forming composition was prepared by the following method.

Each component excluding stearic acid, cyclohexanone, and methyl ethyl ketone was beads-dispersed by using a batch type vertical sand mill (dispersion medium: zirconia beads (bead diameter: 0.1 mm), dispersion retention time: 24 hours) to obtain dispersion liquid. After that, the remaining components were added into the obtained dispersion liquid and stirred with a dissolver. Then, the obtained dispersion liquid was filtered by using the filter (hole diameter of 0.5 μm), and a non-magnetic layer forming composition was prepared.

(3) Preparation of Back Coating Layer Forming Composition

The back coating layer forming composition was prepared by the following method.

Each component excluding stearic acid, butyl stearate, polyisocyanate, and cyclohexanone was kneaded and diluted by an open kneader. Then, the obtained mixed liquid was subjected to a dispersing process of 12 passes, with a transverse beads mill by using zirconia beads having a bead diameter of 1.0 mm, by setting a bead filling percentage as 80 volume %, a circumferential speed of rotor distal end as 10 msec, and a retention time for 1 pass as 2 minutes. After that, the remaining components were added into the obtained dispersion liquid and stirred with a dissolver. Then, the obtained dispersion liquid was filtered with a filter (hole diameter: 1.0 μm) and a back coating layer forming composition was prepared.

6. Manufacturing of Magnetic Tape

A magnetic tape was manufactured by the specific aspect shown in FIG. 4. The magnetic tape was specifically manufactured as follows.

A support made of polyethylene naphthalate having a thickness shown in Table 1 was sent from the sending part, and the non-magnetic layer forming composition prepared in the section 5.(2) was applied to one surface thereof so that the thickness after the drying becomes a thickness shown in Table 1 in the first coating part and was dried in the first heating process zone (atmosphere temperature of 100° C.) to form a coating layer.

Then, the magnetic layer forming composition prepared in the section 5.(1) was applied onto the non-magnetic layer so that the thickness after the drying becomes the thickness shown in Table 1 in the second coating part, and a coating layer was formed. The cooling step was performed by passing the formed coating layer through the cooling zone in which the atmosphere temperature is adjusted to 0° C. for the staying time shown in Table 1 while the coating layer is wet, a homeotropic alignment process was performed in the orientation zone by applying a magnetic field having a magnetic field strength of 0.3 T in a vertical direction, and then, the coating layer was dried in the second heating process zone (atmosphere temperature of 100° C.).

After that, in the third coating part, the back coating layer forming composition prepared in the section 5.(3) was applied to the surface of the support made of polyethylene naphthalate on a side opposite to the surface where the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer are formed, so that the thickness after the drying becomes the thickness shown in Table 1, to form a coating layer, and the formed coating layer was dried in the third heating process zone (atmosphere temperature of 100° C.).

The magnetic tape obtained as described above was slit to have a width of ½ inches (0.0127 meters), and the burnishing treatment and the wiping treatment were performed with respect to the surface of the coating layer of the magnetic layer forming composition. The burnishing treatment and the wiping treatment were performed by using a commercially available polishing tape (product name: MA22000 manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation, abrasive: diamond/Cr₂O₃/red oxide) as the polishing tape, a commercially available sapphire blade (manufactured by Kyocera Corporation, a width of 5 mm, a length of 35 mm, and a tip angle of 60 degrees) as the grinding blade, and a commercially available wiping material (product name: WRP736 manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd.) as the wiping material, in a treatment device having a configuration disclosed in FIG. 1 of JP1994-52544A (JP-H06-52544A). For the treatment conditions, the treatment conditions disclosed in Example 12 of JP1994-52544A (JP-H06-52544A).

After the burnishing treatment and the wiping treatment, a calender process (surface smoothing treatment) was performed with a calender roll configured of only a metal roll, at a speed of 80 m/min, linear pressure of 300 kg/cm (294 kN/m), and a calender temperature (surface temperature of a calender roll) of 95° C.

After that, a heating process was performed in the environment of the atmosphere temperature of 70° C. for 36 hours. After the heating process, the magnetic tape was slit to have a width of 1/2 inches (0.0127 meters).

By doing so, a magnetic tape of Example 1 was manufactured.

Examples 2 to 8 and Comparative Examples 1 to 11

Each magnetic tape of Examples 2 to 8 and Comparative Examples 1 to 11 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the manufacturing conditions were changed as shown in Table 1.

In Table 1, in the comparative examples in which “not performed” is disclosed in a column of the cooling zone staying time of the magnetic layer forming step, a magnetic tape was manufactured by a manufacturing step not including the cooling zone.

In Table 1, in the comparative examples in which “not performed” is disclosed in a column of the burnishing treatment before the curing process, a magnetic tape was manufactured by a manufacturing step of not performing the burnishing treatment and the subsequent wiping treatment in the step before performing the curing process.

In Table 1, in the comparative examples in which “performed” is disclosed in a column of the burnishing treatment before the curing process, the burnishing treatment and the wiping treatment described above were performed in the step after performing the curing process.

The thickness of each layer of each magnetic tape and the non-magnetic support of Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Examples 1 to 11 obtained by the steps described above was acquired by the following method. It was confirmed that the thicknesses of the formed layer and the non-magnetic support was the thicknesses shown in Table 1.

A cross section of the magnetic tape in a thickness direction was exposed to ion beams and the exposed cross section was observed with a scanning electron microscope. Various thicknesses were obtained as an arithmetical mean of thicknesses obtained at two portions in the thickness direction in the cross section observation.

7. State of Abrasive Present in Magnetic Layer (Plan View Maximum Area Percentage of Abrasive)

By the method described above, the plan view maximum area percentage of the abrasive confirmed in a region having a size of 4.3 μm×6.3 μn of the surface of the magnetic layer is acquired.

8. Measurement of Logarithmic Decrement

The logarithmic decrement of the surface of the magnetic layer of the magnetic tape was acquired by the method described above by using a rigid-body pendulum type physical properties testing instrument RPT-3000W manufactured by A&D Company, Limited (pendulum: brass, substrate: glass substrate, a rate of temperature increase of substrate: 5° C./min) as the measurement device. A measurement sample cut out from the magnetic tape was placed on a glass substrate having a size of approximately 3 cm×approximately 5 cm, by being fixed at 4 portions with a fixing tape (Kapton tape manufactured by Du Pont-Toray Co., Ltd.) as shown in FIG. 1. An adsorption time was set as 1 second, a measurement interval was set as 7 to 10 seconds, a displacement-time curve was drawn regarding the 86-th measurement interval, and the logarithmic decrement was acquired by using this curve. The measurement was performed in the environment of relative humidity of approximately 50%.

9. Change (Decrease of SNR) in Electromagnetic Conversion Characteristics (Signal-To-Noise-Ratio (SNR)) After Repeated Running in Low Temperature and High Humidity Environment

The electromagnetic conversion characteristics (SNR) were measured by the following method by using a reel tester having a width of ½ inches (0.0127 meters) and including a fixed head.

A head/tape relative speed was set as 5.5 m/sec, a metal-in-gap (MIG) head (gap length of 0.15 μm, track width of 1.0 μm) was used in the recording, and a recording current was set as an optimal recording current of each magnetic tape. As a reproducing head, a giant-magnetoresistive (GMR) head having an element thickness of 15 nm, a shield interval 0.1 μm, and a lead width of 0.5 μm was used. The recording of a signal was performed at linear recording density of 270 KFci, and measurement regarding a reproduction signal was performed with a spectrum analyzer manufactured by Shibasoku Co., Ltd. The unit, kfci, is a unit of linear recording density (not able to convert to the SI unit system). Regarding the signal, a signal which was sufficiently stabilized after starting the running of the magnetic tape was used. A ratio of an output value of a carrier signal and integrated noise of the entire spectral range was set as a SNR.

Under the conditions described above, a tape length for 1 pass was set as 1,000 m, the reciprocating running for 5,000 passes was allowed in an environment of an atmosphere temperature of 13° C. and relative humidity of 80% to perform reproduction (head/tape relative speed: 6.0 m/sec), and the SNR was measured. A difference between the SNR of the first pass and the SNR of the 5,000-th pass (SNR of the 5,000-th pass−SNR of the first pass) was acquired. In a case where the difference is less than −2.0 dB, the magnetic tape can be determined as a magnetic tape which shows excellent electromagnetic conversion characteristics desired in a data back-up tape.

The results of the evaluations described above are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Treatment conditions after mixing of magnetic Abrasive liquid solution, abrasive Abrasive liquid, silica sol, other components Magnetic layer forming step BET Abrasive liquid and finishing additive solvent Burnishing Burnishing specific Beads dispersing agent (2,3- Beads Ultrasonic treatment treatment surface dispersion Dihydroxynaphthalene) dispersion dispersion Cooling zone before after curing area time Content time time Filter hole staying time curing process process [m²/g] [hour] [part] [min] [min] diameter Comparative Not performed Not performed Performed 20 5 0 5 0.5 0.5 μm Example 1 Comparative Not performed Not performed Performed 20 5 0 5 0.5 0.5 μm Example 2 Comparative Not performed Not performed Performed 20 5 0 5 0.5 0.5 μm Example 3 Comparative Not performed Not performed Performed 20 5 0 5 0.5 0.5 μm Example 4 Comparative Not performed Not performed Performed 20 5 1 60 30 0.5 μm Example 5 Comparative Not performed Not performed Performed 20 30 3 60 30 0.5 μm Example 6 Comparative Not performed Not performed Performed 30 30 3 180 60 0.3 μm Example 7 Comparative Not performed Not performed Performed 20 30 3 60 30 0.5 μm Example 8 Comparative  60 seconds Not performed Performed 20 30 3 60 30 0.5 μm Example 9 Comparative  1 second Performed Not performed 20 5 0 5 0.5 0.5 μm Example 10 Comparative  1 second Performed Not performed 30 30 5 360 60 0.3 μm Example 11 Example 1  1 second Performed Not performed 20 5 1 60 30 0.5 μm Example 2  60 seconds Performed Not performed 20 5 1 60 30 0.5 μm Example 3 180 seconds Performed Not performed 20 5 1 60 30 0.5 μm Example 4  1 second Performed Not performed 20 30 3 60 30 0.5 μm Example 5  60 seconds Performed Not performed 30 30 3 180 60 0.3 μm Example 6  60 seconds Performed Not performed 20 30 3 60 30 0.5 μm Example 7 180 seconds Performed Not performed 20 30 3 60 30 0.5 μm Example 8 180 seconds Performed Not performed 30 30 3 180 60 0.3 μm Non-magnetic Non- Non- layer + Magnetic magnetic magnetic Back magnetic Evaluation result layer layer support coating layer layer Magnetic layer Percentage of plan view Decrease Thickness Thickness Thickness Thickness Total thickness logarithmic maximum area of in SNR [μm] [μm] [μm] [μm] [μm] decrement abrasive [dB] Comparative Example 1 0.10 1.00 4.30 0.60 1.10 0.062 0.06% −0.3 Comparative Example 2 0.10 0.70 4.30 0.60 0.80 0.062 0.06% −0.5 Comparative Example 3 0.10 0.50 4.30 0.60 0.60 0.062 0.06% −3.3 Comparative Example 4 0.10 0.10 4.30 0.60 0.20 0.062 0.06% −5.6 Comparative Example 5 0.10 0.50 4.30 0.60 0.60 0.062 0.05% −3.2 Comparative Example 6 0.10 0.50 4.30 0.60 0.60 0.062 0.04% −4.5 Comparative Example 7 0.10 0.50 4.30 0.60 0.60 0.062 0.02% −5.9 Comparative Example 8 0.10 0.50 4.30 0.60 0.60 0.062 0.04% −3.1 Comparative Example 9 0.10 0.50 4.30 0.60 0.60 0.084 0.04% −5 Comparative Example 10 0.10 0.50 4.30 0.60 0.60 0.048 0.06% −4.2 Comparative Example 11 0.10 0.50 4.30 0.60 0.60 0.048 0.01% −2.5 Example 1 0.10 0.50 4.30 0.60 0.60 0.048 0.05% −0.7 Example 2 0.10 0.50 4.30 0.60 0.60 0.034 0.05% −0.5 Example 3 0.10 0.50 4.30 0.60 0.60 0.015 0.05% −0.2 Example 4 0.10 0.50 4.30 0.60 0.60 0.048 0.04% −0.8 Example 5 0.10 0.50 4.30 0.60 0.60 0.034 0.02% −0.6 Example 6 0.10 0.10 4.30 0.60 0.20 0.034 0.04% −0.4 Example 7 0.10 0.50 4.30 0.60 0.60 0.015 0.04% −0.5 Example 8 0.10 0.50 4.30 0.60 0.60 0.015 0.02% −0.3

With the comparison of Comparative Examples, it was confirmed that, in the case where the total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer is equal to or smaller than 0.60 μm (Comparative Examples 3 to 11), the SNR is significantly decreased by the repeated running in a low temperature and high humidity environment, compared to the case where the total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer exceeds 0.60 μm (Comparative Examples 1 and 2).

In a case where a reproducing head after evaluation of the magnetic tape of the comparative example was visually observed, in a reproducing head of Comparative Examples 3, 4, and 10 after the evaluation, it was confirmed that a phenomenon called pole tip recession (PTR) in which a difference in level of an element portion and a sliding surface of a GMR head occurs. It is assumed that the PTR is generated due to the chipping of the element part of the GMR head caused by the sliding on the surface of the magnetic layer. Meanwhile, in the reproducing head of Comparative Examples 5 to 9 and 11 after the evaluation, it was confirmed that the head attached materials were attached to the GMR head. It is assumed that, in Comparative Examples 5 to 9, the pressure sensitive adhesive components separated from the surface of the magnetic layer become head attached materials. It is considered that, in Comparative Example 11, in a case where the abrasion properties of the surface of the magnetic layer are not sufficiently exhibited, the head attached materials are not removed.

With respect to this, in the magnetic tape of Examples 1 to 8, the total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer was equal to or smaller than 0.60 μm, but a decrease in SNR was prevented, compared to the magnetic tape of Comparative Examples 3 to 11.

The invention is effective in technical fields of magnetic tapes for high-density recording. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnetic tape comprising: a non-magnetic support; a non-magnetic layer including non-magnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic support; and a magnetic layer including ferromagnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic layer, wherein the total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer is equal to or smaller than 0.60 μm, the magnetic layer includes an abrasive, the percentage of a plan view maximum area of the abrasive confirmed in a region having a size of 4.3 μm ×6.3 μm of the surface of the magnetic layer with respect to the total area of the region, obtained by plane observation performed by using a scanning electron microscope is equal to or greater than 0.02% and less than 0.06%, the logarithmic decrement acquired by a pendulum viscoelasticity test performed regarding the surface of the magnetic layer is 0.010 to 0.050, and the logarithmic decrement on the magnetic layer side is determined by the following method: securing a measurement sample of the magnetic tape with the measurement surface, which is the surface on the magnetic layer side, facing upward on a substrate in a pendulum viscoelasticity tester; disposing a columnar cylinder edge which is 4 mm in diameter and equipped with a pendulum 13 g in weight on the measurement surface of the measurement sample such that the long axis direction of the columnar cylinder edge runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the measurement sample; raising the surface temperature of the substrate on which the measurement sample has been positioned at a rate of less than or equal to 5° C./min up to 80° C.; inducing initial oscillation of the pendulum; monitoring the displacement of the pendulum while it is oscillating to obtain a displacement-time curve for a measurement interval of greater than or equal to 10 minutes; and obtaining the logarithmic decrement Δ from the following equation: $\Delta = \frac{{\ln\left( \frac{A_{1}}{A_{2}} \right)} + {\ln\left( \frac{A_{2}}{A_{3}} \right)} + {\ldots\mspace{14mu}{\ln\left( \frac{A_{n}}{A_{n + 1}} \right)}}}{n}$ wherein the interval from one minimum displacement to the next minimum displacement is adopted as one wave period; the number of waves contained in the displacement-time curve during one measurement interval is denoted by n, the difference between the minimum displacement and the maximum displacement of the n^(th) wave is denoted by An, and the logarithmic decrement is calculated using the difference between the next minimum displacement and maximum displacement of the n^(th) wave (A_(n+1) in the above equation).
 2. The magnetic tape according to claim 1, wherein the percentage of the plan view maximum area of the abrasive confirmed in a region having a size of 4.3 μm ×6.3 μm of the surface of the magnetic layer with respect to the total area of the region, obtained by plane observation performed by using a scanning electron microscope is 0.02% to 0.05%.
 3. The magnetic tape according to claim 1, wherein the total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer is 0.20 μm to 0.60 μm.
 4. The magnetic tape according to claim 1, wherein the BET specific surface area of the abrasive is 14 to 40 m²/g.
 5. The magnetic tape according to claim 1, wherein the abrasive is alumina powder.
 6. The magnetic tape according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic layer includes an aromatic hydrocarbon compound including a phenolic hydroxyl group.
 7. The magnetic tape according to claim 1, wherein the ferromagnetic powder is ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder.
 8. The magnetic tape according to claim 7, wherein the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder includes Al. 